Subaru has launched the mid-life update of its XV All-Wheel Drive (AWD), with a fresh new look, added smart technology and the introduction of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) across the range, giving drivers more performance options to suit their preferences.
The XV hybrid range is also expanded to two variants, the XV Hybrid L AWD and Hybrid S AWD. Both XV hybrid variants introduce e-Active Shift Control, which supports responsive driving. Outside, every Model Year 2021 XV variant has new grille, front bumper, fog light surround and alloy wheel designs.
Range-topping XV 2.0i-S AWD and Hybrid S AWD also add driver assist technology, with a Front View Monitor (FVM) and Side View Monitor (SVM) integrated into the front grille and passenger side door mirror.
XV hybrid e-Active Shift Control
When S mode is selected in SI-Drive, for responsive driving on winding roads, e-Active Shift Control activates automatically, based on information including accelerator use and the G sensor signal. It deactivates when it assesses normal driving has resumed.
Key e-Active characteristics are:
- Control when cornering:
- From braking to entering the corner – When engine speed decreases while braking, down-shifting occurs, keeping engine speed higher.
- While cornering – By maintaining a low gear speed, a high engine speed is maintained, reducing engine speed fluctuation when the accelerator is applied and released while turning, enabling a direct feel.
- When exiting the corner – In addition to the higher torque from maintenance of high engine speed and low gear speed, the sportier operation of motor assist delivers greater take-off acceleration than in conventional S mode.
- Control downhill:
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- Down-shifting occurs, increasing engine speed. This applies the engine brake efficiently, reducing foot braking frequency.
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Blair Read, General Manager, Subaru Australia, said: “We have a formidable list of technology and cosmetic changes across the XV range, which make already comprehensive specification lists even more feature-packed.
“We are also delighted to offer additional choice within the XV Hybrid range, which has drawn considerable interest from both existing Subaru owners and prospects since the initial variant launched early this year.
“Certainly, these latest changes demonstrate our commitment to offering greater choice within our respective ranges, while adding features that can enhance everything from efficiency to responsiveness and safety – underlining our common theme of driving fun.”
MY21 XV AWD CHANGES:
All variants:
- SI-Drive – Offers the choice between frugal efficiency in I mode and sportier performance in S mode, for greater engine responsiveness – all via convenient steering wheel controls.
- Revised suspension for improved handling and comfort – Front coil spring shape is changed to better tune load axis characteristics. Suspension damping force is also optimized, allowing the front suspension to move more smoothly, improving ride comfort and handling agility, with better steering response.
- Auto door lock/unlock
- New design 17″ or 18″ alloy wheels depending on variant:
- 17″ for 2.0i AWD, 2.0i-L AWD, 2.0i Premium AWD and Hybrid L AWD
- 18″ for 2.0i-S AWD and Hybrid S AWD
- New design front bumper and fog light surround
- New design front grille
- Updated exterior colour choices:
- Plasma Yellow Pearl replaces Sunshine Orange
- Horizon Blue Pearl replaces Quartz Blue Pearl
Variant specific changes to the range are:
MY21 XV 2.0i AWD adds (over MY20 XV 2.0i AWD):
- Power folding door mirrors with indicators
MY21 XV 2.0i Premium AWD adds (over MY20 2.0i Premium AWD):
- Subaru’s Vision Assist featuring:
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
- Front View Monitor (FVM)
- Heated door mirrors
MY21 XV 2.0i-S AWD adds (over MY20 2.0i-S AWD):
- X-Mode – 2 mode
- Dual memory driver’s seat
- Subaru’s Vision Assist featuring:
- Front View Monitor (FVM)
- Side View Monitor (SVM)
- Gloss black climate control panel
- Stitched Multi-Function Display (MFD) visor
- Auto dipping (passenger side) door mirror
- Auto power-folding door mirrors
- Position memory for door mirrors
The XV Hybrid range is repositioned to include two variants. In addition to the applicable changes outlined in the above “All variants” section, key features of these two new Hybrid variants are:
MY21 XV Hybrid L AWD
- 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection e-Boxer 4-cylinder, petrol engine and electric motor
- e-Active Shift Control – supports responsive driving in S mode.
- X-Mode
- EyeSight® Driver Assist technology
- Integrated infotainment system with 8″ LCD touchscreen
- Digital radio (DAB+)
- Rain-sensing front windscreen wipers
- Seat trim – premium cloth
- Air-conditioning – single zone climate control
- Leather steering wheel and gear shift
- Puncture repair kit
- 17″ alloy wheels
- Dusk-sensing headlights – halogen
- Front fog lights (LED)
- Power-folding door mirrors with indicators
- Silver front and side under guards
- Updated finish for exterior e-Boxer badges
MY21 XV Hybrid S AWD adds (over MY21 Hybrid L AWD):
- X-Mode – 2 mode
- Subaru’s Vision Assist featuring:
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
- Front View Monitor (FVM)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
- Side View Monitor (SVM)
- Satellite navigation
- Seat trim – leather accented
- 8-way power seat with dual memory – driver
- Heated seats – driver and front passenger
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Sports pedals
- Air-conditioning – dual zone climate control with gloss black control panel
- Stitched Multi-Function Display (MFD) visor
- Sunvisors – illuminated with vanity mirrors – driver and front passenger
- Premium interior accents – interior door handles, stitching, silver/chrome look highlight
- 18″ alloy wheels
- Self-levelling LED headlights with auto off (dusk-sensing)
- Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL) – LED
- Auto dipping (passenger side) door mirror
- Auto power-folding door mirrors
- Position memory for door mirrors
- Electric sunroof
- Crystal Black Silica rear screen garnish
XV MY21 MANUFACTURER’S LIST PRICING*
| 2.0i AWD | $29,690 |
| 2.0i-L AWD | $31,990 |
| 2.0i Premium AWD | $34,590 |
| 2.0i-S AWD | $37,290 |
| Hybrid L AWD | $35,490 |
| Hybrid S AWD | $40,790 |
*Prices are Subaru (Aust) Pty Limited’s Manufacturer’s List Prices only and include GST on the list price but exclude dealer delivery charges and all other government and statutory charges. For the drive away price of Subaru vehicles consumers should be advised to contact their local authorised Subaru dealer.
